12.30.16 / Category: Miscellaneous

New Year, New Opportunities to Advocate

When your local radio station returns to playing the hits and not Christmas music, or you won’t be able to look at another potato because you’re stuffed with latkes, or, there is something that signifies whatever you celebrate is over, that’s when the countdown to the New Year begins. It is fair to say that 2016 was not the best year. When times are tough, it often inspires people to give back. But if you’re a college student or a recent grad like me, money is tight.

Here are ways to advocate for the girls without breaking the bank in 2017.

1. Inform your non- sorority friends about Circle of Sisterhood.

While this organization was founded by sorority women, it doesn’t mean only sorority women can be involved. All you have to do is have a conversation with your friends about this organization. For example on Giving Tuesday, my friend Shannon asked on Twitter what her followers’ favorite organization are to give to. I replied with Circle of Sisterhood and send her the link for the website. Then for a holiday gift, I made a $5 donation in her honor to the organization. Also talk to your male friends about the organization. Circle of Sisterhood is about everyone helping to break down barriers preventing women, not just women helping women. It’s all about having a conversation.

2. Start a book club with your sorority and friends, beginning with “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.””

Ginny Carroll, Circle of Sisterhood’s founder, was inspired to start this organization after reading this book. Organize a book club with your sorority, friends and family. You can also engage the Panhellenic community and create an inter sorority book club. The club will help educate everyone on the issues facing women and education. You don’t have to stop at “Half the Sky”, choose books that share a similar theme of lifting barriers towards women’s education.

3. Watch and screen documentaries relevant to the cause.

Similar to starting a book club, organize a screening party and watch “Girl Rising” and “Half the Sky” documentary with your sorority, friends, family or watch on your own. I would also recommend watching the CNN documentary “We Will Rise: Michelle Obama’s Mission to Educate Girls Around the World.” So grab some popcorn, candy and become inspired to advocate.

4. Cut back on unnecessary spending

Do you really need that venti size drink at Starbucks? Think about the little things in your life you can cut back on. With that money you can make a donation to Circle of Sisterhood. Even if it’s a monthly donation of $5, every bit can go to help the girls.

For more information about ways to raise awareness for Circle of Sisterhood, visit our site.

This blog post was written by Jessica Evans, a digital journalist living in New York City and member of the Circle of Sisterhood writing team. She graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 2015 and is a proud sister of Alpha Delta Pi. Interested in joining our writing team or sharing your Circle of Sisterhood story? Contact Mia McCurdy at blog@circleofsisterhood.org